Distributed execution software license server
US6343280B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/125
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of protecting an executable image from unlicensed use is provided by remote execution of sequences of microprocessor instructions. Means of selecting sequences of instructions that execute infrequently and provide a high level of security against reverse engineering is provided. Selection means includes run-time profiling of an executable running under normal conditions. The selected sequences of instructions are replaced with instructions that interrupt the normal flow of execution and transfer control to a license server. A client computer executes the modified executable until the replaced sequences interrupt the normal flow of execution and transfer control to a license server. The license server executes the instructions which were replaced in the modified executable upon proper authorization by emulating the client microprocessor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.